July 18/04 7:49 am - Festival de Velo Update

The second edition of the Festival de Velo, presented by Dearborn Health Performance Care, takes to the streets of Downtown Kitchener on Sunday July 25th.

With our new location for the event, the Festival will hold the attention of young & old, from antique bikes , local stores displaying the latest in merchandise to the Poison Frogs (trial bike demonstrations), we will have a Festival atmosphere here at Kitchener City Hall.

The 1 kilometre race circuit has been used in previous years for the Ontario Championships. The King St. & Duke St. course, "..... will provide spectators with a lot of excitement", says Race Director Chuck Hammell, President of the Waterloo Cycling Club. "I believe the quickest & most challenging section will be the Walper Terrace Hotel corner where the riders will hit over 60 kph in the Pro Race in the afternoon", said Hammell.

Bicycle Racers will travel from across Ontario, Michigan, & New York State. They will be competing for over $3,000.00 in Prizes. Racing begins at 9 am & continues throughout the day. The feature 90 minute Pro 1-2 race begins at 3 pm. The Pro 1-2 race will average well over 44 kph on the tight 1 kilometre circuit.

The 10:30 start time features the Women & Masters racing at the same time, ".....lots of action & fireworks...during this race", said Hammell

At Noon, there is a special Novice Race planned for riders of all ages & abilities to compete for 20 minute plus 5 laps. Register early if you want to race. Bring your bike to City hall during the morning. Entry fee for the novice/citizen race is $15.00, Each participant will receive a ribbon for participating in the race.

The Waterloo Cycling Club encourages everyone with a bicycle to come & watch the best racers in the country compete for this year's Festival de Velo Honours.